Some Aston Villa supporters may not be old enough to remember when the media at large practically gifted Emiliano Martínez a one-way ticket to Manchester United. Each day, there was a new assertion that the keeper would leave B6 to link up with Ruben Amorim, replacing André Onana.
Yet on Friday, the Villa social media page showed 'Dibu,' right there in his training gear, a part of the team activities. For a while, there hadn't been too much shown of the Argentina international. Part of that could be explained as to lessen any further speculation about the keeper during the summer whirlwind that Villa fans experienced each day regarding Martínez.
Naturally, there will never be accountability for those who pushed this false narrative throughout the summer. In all likelihood, Martínez is going to just be eager to move on with the season preparations and get ready for the long campaign ahead.
Most expect Marco Bizot to be the one in goal for Villa's first match of the season, when they play Newcastle United. The red card that the Argentina international picked up during the Manchester United fixture will prevent him from being able to participate during the opening game at Villa Park.
Important aspect to look at for Aston Villa
After that, however, Unai Emery will be able to have Martínez to rely on. It is possible that this season will see more time given to the number two, compared to what has been seen when Robin Olsen was at the club. That will be a decision that is not made right away, though.
For the time being, Martínez is still the club's and world's number one. Considering all of the speculations and guesswork that basically assumed his departure from Villa, it is a welcomed sight to see the Argentinian training in his Villa gear.